Energy Newsbriefs Blog

The WSU Energy Program Library prepares this current awareness blog with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy State Energy Program. These articles highlight energy-related news, articles, and reports about energy efficiency, energy conservation, and renewable sources of energy for energy professionals and interested members of the public.

Category: Transportation

"We recently added two fuel cell electric vehicles to our fleet (the first for a government agency) and are using them for public outreach. What we’re finding out is that there’s a lot of interest in these cars – and some misconceptions. So, in order to separate fact from fiction, we decided to tackle the top five fuel cell myths."

"What is renewable diesel? The short answer is it’s a fuel that is chemically similar to petroleum diesel, but is 100% renewable and sustainable. In other words, it’s the latest, greenest diesel on the market. But to really understand it, it’s helpful to back up and understand the difference between it and its predecessors, petroleum diesel and biodiesel."

"In 2016, the plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) market exceeded expectations. Despite another year of unusually low gasoline prices averaging $2.24 per gallon, there are now more than half a million PEVs quietly zipping around U.S. streets. While PEVs are on the rise nationally, the Energy Department’s (DOE’s) Workplace Charging Challenge made big strides in 2016 as well."

"Every electric train on the Dutch railways NS network now gets 100 per cent of its energy from wind energy. NS Dutch Railways has partnered with energy company Eneco to use its wind turbines to generate the energy needed to power all of its electric trains. The pair had hoped to achieve this milestone by 2018 but managed the feat as of January 1 this year."

"Moving to support the electrification of the transportation sector and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the federal government this week announced 55 routes that will serve as the basis for a national network of “alternative fuel” corridors spanning 35 states."

"A U.S. Navy EA-18G "Green Growler" has completed flight testing a 100% advanced biofuel at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. This is the first time the Navy has looked at a process that can produce a fuel with all the properties and chemistry of petroleum-based jet fuel without having to blend with JP-5, says Rick Kamin, energy and fuels lead for the Naval Air Systems Command."

"To demonstrate new energy technologies including energy storage, a microgrid system, small-scale renewable energy and an electric "vehicle to grid” system, Snohomish County Public Utility District (PUD) will receive $3.5 million in matching funds from the Washington Clean Energy Fund."

"A more affordable electric car might be in your future, thanks to research Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland has been picked to lead. The White House announced recently that the Department of Energy lab in Richland will guide a $50 million effort over the next five years to come up with an improved electric car battery — one that is small, light and powerful."

"The elevated burden on low-income households is compounded by transportation costs which are the second largest expense for households in the United States after housing-related expenditures. The average household in the US spends almost 20% of its total income on transportation expenses. For low-income households, this average burden can be as high as 30%, according to a survey conducted by the Center of Neighborhood Technology (CNT) of 28 metropolitan areas across the country."

"Advancing technology brings economic and environmental benefits to Northwest consumers and utilities.Improving the regional economy, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, and helping advance technology are three benefits to the region from investing in electric vehicles. While electric vehicles may not make sense for everyone, there are many instances where electric vehicles can substitute for gas-powered vehicles."

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The Energy Newsbriefs Blog is a continuation of the weekly Energy Newsbriefs. Please bookmark this site and return frequently. Although we will not be accepting comments from within the Blog, we would be happy to hear from you by email at library@energy.wsu.edu